Like a Shadow to You

Chapter 6: Like A Shadow To You

Kailash was pondering on his thoughts for a few minutes. He was unaware that Janvi had feelings for him. Nothing is as exciting as the reciprocation of the love you had for someone. When Janvi uttered those words, he wanted so badly to hold her tight against his chest. But he refrained from indulging in the act at the moment as he was concerned about her future with him.

But within a few minutes, he realized that Janvi also had a say in this matter. So, he decided to have an open talk with her. All the rooms in the college were empty. But he had a vague guess that she would be in their classroom. As if proving his assumptions, she sat on the last bench of their classroom. Leaning backward, she was viewing the newly blossomed Gulmohar trees through the windows.

He stepped into the classroom. Hearing the footsteps approaching her, Janvi turned towards him. Her mesmerizing eyes made him stand still for a few seconds. Noticing him, she raised her eyebrows and signaled him to be seated next to him. He caught her signal and sat on the bench next to her.

"Janvi, I..had no idea that you looked at me in that way. I thought..you only took me as a friend. Also, it seems like I have to enter into my father's business. Marrying me will involve you in danger. I can't get out of this now," he gave a pause and continued.

"But I assure you that my love for you will stay the same. Whatever decision you make, I will be happy for you. Take your own time."

Janvi was looking at him in the eye all the while he spoke. Her face showed various emotions. But at last, there was a calmness in her expression as if she made a decision.

"Kailash, it is not the first time I've seen you worried about me. There were times when my family smashed my confidence. You were the only one who motivated me to participate in various events and pursue a degree in MBA. More than that, you value my opinions and treat me with respect. I don't like you involving in the illegal market. But I know you will not do anything that hurts any innocent people. And keep in mind. I will never stop trying to pull you out of this business."

Her words melted his heart. When she said the last sentence, he could not help but smile at her conviction. Within a few months, he rectified the issues with his creative ideas. Janvi opened a design studio near his residence. That was not easy. She had to display her ideas and gather interior designers who were at the beginning of their careers. Her team gave her wonderful ideas helping her in drafting a proposal for the studio. Later on, she worked on getting a loan which did not go the way she expected.

Kailash offered to help her. With reluctance, she took the amount and invested in her business only after promising him to pay it back. The studio picked up its pace after a few months. The money she invested began to double. Once she became independent, she revealed her wish to marry Kailash with her parents. As she expected, they got her a wealthy alliance. They tried to force her marriage making her flee from the house to Kailash's house.

They got married with only a few friends in a nearby temple. Later on, they registered the marriage and started their new life. Kailash tried all his ways to escape the illegal world. But people kept coming to him. He was concerned about this safety of Janvi. So, he maintained tight security around her.

The next year, Janvi got pregnant with Banu. They both believed that their lives would change into normal after the birth of Banu. But life had some other plans. Kailash made sure to hide Banu from the risky business he was involved with. Till Banu turned 12, they lived a happy family. But the next year did not go well for the couple. Many started entering their house in search of critical documents. Janvi and Banu were frightened every day by the random threats. Kailash tackled the issue within a month and threatened all those involved in the act. But Janvi became scared about her daughter. An invisible wall was built between Janvi and Kailash.

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Did the love fade away over the years? What do you think about this chapter? Make sure to leave your comments and rate the chapter before moving on to the next.